- Fashion
Couture-inspired. Desert-approved.
ByAmber Rambharose
Published on April 5, 2024 @ 07:45AM
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Festival fashion should be fun, creative, and liberating, but as is the case with most occasion wear, the trends that once stood out can start to blur together and look, dare we say, a little tired. Fringe vests and cut-off denim shorts? Not exactly groundbreaking. Instead of drawing festival outfit idea inspiration from Coachella, Stagecoach, and Burning Man looks from years past, we’re turning our eyes to A-List stars to guide the way. After all, where else can looks be as fantastical as on the red carpet, concert stages, and front row at fashion shows?
We’re not suggesting you add the cost of a couture two-piece set to your list of Coachella expenses. However, these eight celebrity-inspired festival outfits are less about copy-and-paste reproduction and more about conceptual trends that capture the spirit of music festivals: creativity, celebration, and, of course, the ability to withstand all the revelry your wristband affords you. Whether you’re a hot pants devotee, a ride-or-die catsuit enthusiast, or just want something flowy you can twirl in, the looks ahead inspired by Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and more, are guaranteed to take your festival fashion inspiration tank from empty to full.
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Hardcore Softness
At the 2024 Brit Awards After Party, Dua Lipa served a masterclass in blending edgy outerwear with ultra-femme underpinnings for a look as rock n' roll rough as it was softly romantic. This celeb-inspired festival outfit is also stealthily practical thanks to the pairing of layered lingerie and an oversized leather jacket that will keep you warm when the night chill sets in.
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Find a Silver Lining
Our jaws dropped when we sawJodie Turner-Smith's Gucci revealing ensemble at the LACMA Art+Film Gala, if only because we've never seen two separates—a chainmail-inspired bralette and a simple black maxi skirt—look so impactful. Add a pair of mud- and dust-proof combat boots or mud boots, and you've got yourself a festival outfit for the ages.
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Diamante Is a Girl's Best Friend
You don't need to be dripping in actual diamonds to sparkle at a music festival as Ashley Graham's mesh and crystal maxi dress beautifully illustrates. We recommend looking for a diamante dress with a bit of stretch for freedom of movement and following Graham's accessories cue by adding a glittering body chain or two.
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No Pants, No Problem
Festival season is one of the few opportunities we, as civilians, have to leave the house without pants, and we believe in taking full advantage of that with a high-cut bodysuit and little else. Depending on your personal style, you may or may not want to add an outerwear layer and sheer tights to this pants-less festival outfit like Kristen Stewart did at the premiere of Love Lies Bleeding. Regardless of your personal taste or weather forecast, we do suggest adding boots and boob tape.
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All That Glitters
Embellished accessories like tights and elbow-length gloves don't get enough credit for their ability to take a look from basic to breathtaking. Zoe Lister-Jones's Wiederhoeft Oscars After Party look was by no means plain, but the sheer gloves and thigh-high stockings, both dripping in crystals, took it to the next level. If you've got doubts about the wattage of your festival outfit, a pair of glittering tights will ensure you look and feel electric.
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Fantastical Fringe
By now, fringe is synonymous with festival fashion. No shade to westernwear, which is likely to see a sartorial resurgence in the wake of Cowboy Carter, but we prefer Miley Cyrus's metallic take on the trend. The vintage Bob Mackie look she wore to perform at the Grammy's delivered all the movement this design detail is known for, plus an extra dose of sparkle.
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Flower Power
We've yet to see the end of rosettes as fashion's most popular floral adornment, but we're equally enamored with the groovy, '70s-inspired approach to florals as seen on the David Koma floral set Janelle Monáe worn to a pre-Grammy's event. This flower-forward festival outfit idea pays homage to history's most famous music festival without weighing you down with bulking adornments.
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A Night in Shining Armor
We're not suggesting you don a full suit of armor like Zendaya did for the Dune Part 2 London Premier, but there are plenty of ways you can capture the spirit of her vintage Mugler Couture bodysuit while still being able to move your arms and legs with ease. A metallic catsuit in striking silver worn with body chains, layered bangles, and knee-high boots strikes the same note with more freedom of movement.